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New & used shipping container grading criteria
At Premier Shipping Containers, we categorise our containers through a rigorous grading process, assessing structural integrity, aesthetics, and performance. Each shipping container in our inventory is meticulously inspected upon arrival at our South East Queensland depot. Our thorough grading process evaluates structural integrity, exterior and interior conditions, and overall performance, ensuring complete transparency. This allows you to make confident and informed decisions when purchasing or leasing a container that meets your specific requirements.
Grade 01 of 07
New single use shipping containers - Premium quality
New single-use containers have only carried cargo once, ensuring the highest standards. They are built with durable materials, featuring minimal handling marks and excellent door seals. These containers are ideal for long-term storage, international transport, and modification projects requiring a pristine condition unit.
- Interior panels
- Excellent condition. Some minor cargo scuffs possible.
- Exterior panels
- Excellent condition. Handling marks possible.
- Floor
- Excellent.
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition. Fitted with a lock box.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
Container has carried cargo once, from China to Australia. Container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Container is suitable to travel interstate and internationally. CSC Plate is updated for 60 months.
- CSC plate 60 months
- Interstate & international
Grade 02 of 07
Refurbished grade - Cost-effective and reliable
Refurbished containers are structurally sound, repainted for a clean appearance, and have good seals for weather resistance. They provide a budget-friendly solution while maintaining durability for domestic use, storage, and conversion projects.
- Interior panels
- Repainted, light grey.
- Exterior panels
- Repainted (Blue/Green/Grey). Negligible dents.
- Floor
- Good condition.
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
Container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Container is suitable to travel interstate and internationally. CSC Plate is updated for 12 months (excluding 10ft containers).
- CSC plate 12 months
- Interstate & international
Grade 03 of 07
Furniture/food grade - Safe for sensitive storage
These containers offer minimal interior markings, ensuring non-transferable scuffs and a clean, well-maintained surface. Ideal for storing furniture, dry goods, and non-perishable food items, they provide security and cleanliness for sensitive materials.
- Interior panels
- Minimal marking (non-transferable) if any. Minor scuffs.
- Exterior panels
- Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some gouges and scratches.
- Floor
- Good condition with minimal stains (non-transferable).
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
Container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Container is suitable to travel interstate and internationally. CSC Plate is updated for 12 months.
- CSC plate 12 months
- Interstate & international
Grade 04 of 07
Cargoworthy grade - Certified for international transport
Cargoworthy containers meet international shipping standards, providing a structurally sound solution for global and domestic freight. While they may have visible wear, they are inspected for watertight seals and reinforced flooring to handle heavy cargo loads.
- Interior panels
- Significant marking (transferable), scuffs and scratches.
- Exterior panels
- Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some gouges and scratches.
- Floor
- Good condition with minimal stains.
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
Container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Container is suitable to travel interstate and internationally. CSC Plate is updated for 12 months.
- CSC plate 12 months
- Interstate & international
Grade 05 of 07
Industrial grade - Strong for static storage
Industrial-grade containers have visible dents, scratches, and signs of corrosion but remain secure for on-site storage needs. They are not suitable for international transport but offer a cost-effective way to store tools, machinery, and non-sensitive goods.
- Interior panels
- Extensive marking (transferable), scratches and minor corrosion.
- Exterior panels
- Significant corrosion. Multiple dents. Gouged and scratched.
- Floor
- Stained and some delamination. Patched floor repairs.
- Doors
- Lockable.
- Under structure
- Heavily corroded.
Comments
Container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Static storage use only. CSC Plate removed.
- CSC plate removed
- Static storage only
Grade 06 of 07
Non-operational refrigerated shipping containers - Secure, insulated storage without active cooling
Non-operational refrigerated containers offer the same durable, insulated structure as their operational counterparts but without active cooling. Their superior insulation helps regulate internal temperatures, making them an excellent option for storing temperature-sensitive goods without requiring energy consumption. Ideal for businesses or individuals needing secure and weather-resistant storage, these containers provide a cost-effective alternative to climate-controlled units.
- Interior panels
- Scuffs and scratches.
- Exterior panels
- Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some delamination and scratches.
- Floor
- Good condition.
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
The machinery is non-operational and some components have been removed. The container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof.
- Insulated, no active cooling
Grade 07 of 07
Operational refrigerated shipping containers - Climate-controlled storage
Operational refrigerated containers maintain temperatures between -20°C and +25°C, ensuring the safe storage of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive materials. Non-operational refrigerated containers, while not climate-controlled, offer superior insulation for temperature-sensitive storage.
- Interior panels
- Scuffs and scratches.
- Exterior panels
- Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some delamination and scratches.
- Floor
- Good condition.
- Doors
- Lockable. Seals in good condition.
- Under structure
- Good condition.
Comments
The machinery is fully operational and will operate between -20°C and +25°C. The container is lockable and secure, weatherproof and vermin proof. Container is suitable to travel interstate and internationally. CSC Plate is updated for 12 months (excluding 10ft containers).
- -20°C to +25°C
- CSC plate 12 months
Side by side
Compare every grade
| Criteria | New single use | Refurbished | Furniture/food | Cargoworthy | Industrial | Non-operationalRefrigerated | OperationalRefrigerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior panels | Excellent condition. Some minor cargo scuffs possible. | Repainted, light grey. | Minimal marking (non-transferable) if any. Minor scuffs. | Significant marking (transferable), scuffs and scratches. | Extensive marking (transferable), scratches and minor corrosion. | Scuffs and scratches. | Scuffs and scratches. |
| Exterior panels | Excellent condition. Handling marks possible. | Repainted (Blue/Green/Grey). Negligible dents. | Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some gouges and scratches. | Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some gouges and scratches. | Significant corrosion. Multiple dents. Gouged and scratched. | Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some delamination and scratches. | Minimal corrosion. Minor denting. Some delamination and scratches. |
| Floor | Excellent. | Good condition. | Good condition with minimal stains (non-transferable). | Good condition with minimal stains. | Stained and some delamination. Patched floor repairs. | Good condition. | Good condition. |
| Doors | Lockable. Seals in good condition. Fitted with a lock box. | Lockable. Seals in good condition. | Lockable. Seals in good condition. | Lockable. Seals in good condition. | Lockable. | Lockable. Seals in good condition. | Lockable. Seals in good condition. |
| Under structure | Good condition. | Good condition. | Good condition. | Good condition. | Heavily corroded. | Good condition. | Good condition. |
What sets us apart
Premier quality containers
Your container will be carefully inspected to make sure we're offering the right container for your needs.
Tested
All containers are checked on the production line for dimensions, door operation, air and water tightness and quality of construction.
Strong, durable and secure
Shipping containers were designed to securely transport goods all over the world, travelling thousands of miles and battling the elements.
In good condition
Our shipping containers are regularly maintained and kept in good condition.
Secure
All of the portable storage and general purpose containers we hire out are fitted with a lock box as standard.
Resistant
Premier Shipping Containers are water resistant, air tight and vermin proof.
Flexible transport and delivery
We offer you a simple drive up and store option, or we deliver to you for packing before bringing it back to the storage depot. Costs vary.
Perfect storage solution
Shipping containers are perfect for portable storage due to their strength, durability and corrosion resistant steel bodies.
Optional add-ons
Premier Shipping Containers offer additional lock boxes and shelving if needed. Costs vary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right shipping container grade?
Selecting the right grade depends on your intended use. New single-use containers are perfect for modifications and international shipping, refurbished containers offer a cost-effective storage solution with structural integrity, and cargoworthy containers are ideal for transporting cargo globally.
Are refurbished containers structurally sound?
Yes. Refurbished containers are structurally sound, repainted for a clean appearance, and have good seals for weather resistance. They are suitable to travel interstate and internationally. See the refurbished grade criteria.
Can I use an industrial-grade container for transport?
No. Industrial-grade containers are for static storage use only and are not suitable for international transport; the CSC plate is removed. They remain lockable, weatherproof and secure for on-site storage. See the industrial grade criteria.
What makes a container cargoworthy?
Cargoworthy containers meet international shipping standards. While they may have visible wear, they are inspected for watertight seals and reinforced flooring to handle heavy cargo loads, and the CSC plate is updated for 12 months. See the cargoworthy grade criteria.
Are refrigerated containers energy-efficient?
Our refrigerated containers are carefully selected by our team for their energy efficiency. Operational units require a three-phase power connection. Non-operational refrigerated containers use their insulation to help regulate internal temperatures without requiring energy consumption. See operational and non-operational refrigerated containers.
How can I arrange container delivery?
Standard sale and hire containers are typically delivered within 24-48 hours, while specialised containers may require extra planning and time. We deliver by tilt tray, crane truck, side loader or super tilt, depending on your container size and site. See delivery options or request a quote.
Container depot and storage facility in Burpengary, Queensland
For more information regarding our shipping container services, give one of our friendly team members a call on 07 3888 3751 or request a quote online.